Multicultural group to serve up diversity, down-home style cookin'

As the end of February draws near, Mungano, Baker University's cultural diversity group, is preparing for several events on campus to celebrate the final week of Black History Month.

Multicultural Affairs Coordinator Ron Holden said Mungano will hold its annual soul food dinner at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Harter Union where it will help prepare such foods as fried and baked chicken, greens, sweet potatoes and peach cobbler.

Holden said his mother will cook the food while the members of Mungano watch and learn.

"It's almost going to be ... soul food cooking lessons," Holden said.

Holden said the dinner will cost $7 for members of Baker's community, $5 for Mungano alumni and $3.50 for active Mungano members. The money raised will pay for the food.

Treasurer of Mungano Nicole Baumgartner said she likes the food served at the dinner because it's different from what the cafeteria serves. She said the dinner is also nice because it reminds her of home, which is a long distance away in Colorado.

Holden said the event is an opportunity for students and faculty members to experience food that others eat on a regular basis. He said most families eat soul food to celebrate family relationships, and the meal is a good way for the Baker community to celebrate its heritage and community.

Mungano president Kelly Vaughan said she hopes to see a good turnout from the community.

"It's just a fun time to hang out and eat food," Vaughan said. "It's more of a social event."

Holden said during the soul food dinner, Free Space, a jazz/blues band from the Kansas City area will be playing. He said he heard of the group from Baker alumni, and the group's leader has wanted to play at Baker since he first learned of the soul food dinner.

"They have a standing engagement at the Epicurean, which they have rescheduled to come and play at Baker," Holden said.